Further Education is of great importance as it provides opportunities for enriching and developing the lives of young people who are limited by the constraints of living in a refugee camp.
BEP has been involved in two significant projects:
• The Further Education Course [FEC] in Mae Ra Ma Luang Karen Refugee Camp, North West Thailand. The FSP is a school for young people between the ages of 16 and 21. BEP [in conjunction with ZOA] has helped to support this school by paying teacher stipends and providing volunteer teachers
• Tham Hin Further Studies Programme Tham Hinn Camp [2002-2006]. BEP established this school, paid teacher stipends and provided volunteer teachers. The FEC provides about 100 students with two years of Further Education following the end of their secondary course at Grade 10.
BEP has regularly sent in teams of volunteer teachers from England to provide English Language 'summer schools' for the students in both of these schools.
From 2008 this school will be developed into a centre for Higher Education providing a four year course. See Higher Education section.
Higher Education
Currently the two year Further Education Course in Mae Ra Mo camp is being developed into a four year Higher Education Course. This will be made up of a two year foundation course in English and Research Skills. BEP has supported the FEC for eight years and is looking at ways of continuing the support for the development of a Higher Education Course.